System and method for a social network

ABSTRACT

A system and method for efficiently accessing Internet resources is disclosed. One example method for inputting and searching information in a database is disclosed which comprises a step of providing access for entering information of a first user. The example method also includes steps of receiving and storing the information of the first user. The example method further includes a step of creating a link to the stored information of the first user and receiving, by a centralized database management system, the link to the information of the first user. The method still further includes a step of processing a search request of a second user, search results of the search request including the information of the first user, and the stored information of the first user is accessed via the link.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The present application claims priority to U.S. non-provisionalapplication Ser. No. 09/585,151, filed Jun. 1, 2000 and entitled“COMMUNICATION DEVICE FOR EFFICIENTLY ACCESSING INTERNET RESOURCES.”This application further claims priority to U.S. provisional applicationSer. Nos. 60/143,982 filed Jul. 15, 1999 and 60/174,561 filed Jan. 5,2000. The entirety of the above-referenced applications are incorporatedby reference herein for all purposes.

BACKGROUND

The present invention is a system for permitting internet users toaccess network resources more efficiently. Particularly, the presentinvention is a system which uses unique individual identifiers, such asa phone number or facsimile number, as the primary search keyword toaccess internet resources and selectively access additional internetresources as desired by the individual. Using the system, an individualmay also perform various functions such as placing a telephone call, orsending a fax or e-mail with a single selection (i.e., “one click”).This permits individuals to browse or otherwise “surf the net” faster.

The internet is a global computer network that connects all differenttypes of operating systems and networks. It not only provides thephysical backbone connections among networks, but also establishes thestandard formats that enable different networks to communicate and shareinformation. For example, the simple mail transfer protocol (SMTP) isthe internet e-mail standard that specifies the format of a message, sothat a user on one computer network may successfully transfer mail to auser on another network. Without the SMTP, different networks whichcreate their own e-mail message formats could only be understood if thee-mail receiver used the same type of network as the sender, or thereceiving network had a plurality of different e-mail format convertersto interpret different formats of incoming e-mail messages.

Each network e-mil application which uses the internet converts mailoriginating on the network from the format that the network uses intoSMTP format before transmission over the internet, and each receivinge-mail application converts the SMTP formatted e-mail into its format.Therefore, instead of having many different types of e-mail messageconverters for each different e-mail format, different network e-mailapplications can communicate using a single SMTP format converter. Thesame principle also be can applied to transferring data files amongdifferent networks.

Electronic mail is the most widely used application on the internet.Each receiver has to have an unique internet e-mail address for propere-mail delivery. An internet user typically establishes an e-mailaddress by subscribing to an internet service from an internet serviceprovider (ISP) who provides the host and gateway functions to theinternet for the user. An ISP can be a university, a government entity,a private corporation or a commercial service provider. The providerwill assign each user a unique e-mail address. No two users should havethe same e-mail address unless they desire to be treated as a singleentity by the internet.

The characteristics of e-mail address syntax and structure are welldefined. An e-mail address consists of a unique combination of severalterms. For example, when John Smith signs up with America Online® (AOL)as his internet service provider, John Smith will select a first portionof his e-mail address and will be assigned a second portion of hise-mail address. If John Smith's e-mail address is JSMITH@aol.com; “aol”is the abbreviation of America Online; “com” indicates that AmericaOnline is a commercial website; and JSMITH is the local part of thee-mail address. E-mail that is sent to JSMITH@aol.com will first beforwarded to the host AOL domain, aol.com, and then AOL will furtherdelivery the e-mail to the mailbox JSMITH. Although the domain part plusthe local part of an e-mail address such as JSMITH@aol.com is a mucheasier format to memorize than the actual 32 bit internet mailboxaddress, (as dotted decimal notation 247.012.123.1 14), severaldifficulties still exist.

First, there is no consistent rule for naming a local part of a user'smailbox. In the AOL example, the local part is made of the firstcharacter of John's first name in combination with his last name, i.e.,JSMITH. Once JSMITH is assigned to John on the aol.com domain, otherJohn Smiths, a Joan Smith or a Joe Smith on the aol.com domain mustchoose a user name other than JSMITH to distinguish between themselves.Moreover, thousands of other ISPs use different ways to name theirusers' local part. It is almost impossible to guess the local part of auser even if his or her name is known. Non-alphanumeric characters, suchas @, ^ or % could be used in the e-mail address. Foreign ISPs andforeign e-mail addresses can also have non-English characters.Accordingly, it is difficult for an internet user to memorize aplurality of different e-mail addresses.

In contrast, due to their ubiquitous use and uniformity, phone numbersand facsimile numbers consist of a universally accepted digital numberscheme which makes the numbers easier to remember. Additionally, phonenumbers and their owners are readily available through many informationsources including phone books, phone number CDs or even internet sitesthat provide such information.

There are several prior art system which attempt to help an internetuser access the address of other internet users more easily. Forexample, U.S. Pat. No. 5,826,039 to Jones discloses a universalnetworking directory service. A sender provides information regarding aparticular receiver, such as the person's name, city and the state ofresidency, and the system retrieves the receiver's proper internetaddress. The sender can then use this address to contact the receiver.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,850,433 to Rondeau discloses an online electronicdirectory service. The service includes a dedicated server and adatabase similar to the paper yellow pages, which permit a user callingthe database to be connected directly to the selected entity. A user canretrieve information from the database by entering different searchparameters. Once the user reviews the results of the particular queryand selects an entity, the server automatically places a telephone callto the select entity.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,778,367 to Wesinger, Jr., et al discloses a directoryservice which lets each individual user forward information to beelectronically published. The information is automatically classifiedand then stored in a database. Other users might then search thedatabase by specifying different parameters including name, title, phonenumber, facsimile number and e-mail address. The users fill ininformation regarding their fields of interest and the directory servicereturns entries having matching information for those fields.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,590,178 to Murakane discloses a service which links ane-mail system with a telephone system. The system retrieves all e-mailcorresponding to a particular phone number to be automatically displayedwhen a telephone call to the particular phone number is placed orreceived.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,812,776 to Gifford discloses a method for a user toaccess web pages by either using a telephone number or descriptive termrelating to the searching company of product. However, this system onlyretrieves the web page without further processing or analysis.

Although many of these prior art systems permit a user to accesswebsites based upon selected information, these systems do not permitusers to capture selected portions of those websites for furtherprocessing.

SUMMARY

The present invention includes a data table that can be customizable bya user prior to accessing the internet or after accessing the internet.The user may use a simple keyword, such as a telephone number orfacsimile number, to begin the search of a database or multipledatabases. Once the keyword has retrieved the proper information, thesystem populates the table. This permits the user to easily access theinternet and retrieve e-mail addresses or other relevant information byproviding a phone number, facsimile number or other information relatingto the particular entity.

Using the data table, the system displays all information related to thekeyword input as unique individual identifiers such as e-mail, phone,facsimile number or website address. Selecting one of the uniqueindividual identifiers prompts the system to automatically invokefurther action, such as dialing a phone number.

Accordingly, it is an objective of the present invention to use akeyword, such as a phone number or facsimile number, as the primarysearch keyword to retrieve information from the internet and store theinformation in a format desired by the user.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an overview of the internet.

FIG. 2A is a flow diagram illustrating a regular e-mail sendingprocedure.

FIG. 2B is a diagram illustrating the different ways to retrieve e-mailaddress by the prior art and the present invention.

FIGS. 3A-3F are diagrams illustrating internet database access throughphone number or facsimile number search.

FIGS. 4A-4G are detailed screen displays of a user interface to thepresent invention.

FIGS. 5A-5F are detailed screen displays of the system including a datatable for selectively retrieving and displaying data in accordance withthe present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The present invention will be described with reference to the drawingfigures where like numerals represent like elements throughout.

Referring to FIG. 1, a plurality of networks 15, 25,35 and web pages 40and 50 are shown connected to the internet 5. A first user 10 is aresident on a first network 15 and a second user 20 is a resident on asecond network 25. Even if the two networks 15, 25 are different typesof networks, (for example if network 15 is an Ethernet-based Novellnetwork and network 25 is a token ring-based Microsoft Window NTnetwork), utilizing the internet 5 the users 10, 20 may communicate viae-mail and perform file transfers. This is achieved by each network 15,25, 35 converting outgoing data into a standard format such as SMTP, andconverting incoming data from the standard format into the format forthe particular network 15, 25, 35. By specifying a particular e-mailaddress or a designated web address, an internet user 10, 20 may composeand transmit an e-mail and the internet 5 will automatically route thee-mail to the particular user, or automatically route the desiredcontent of the web page 40, 50 to the requesting user.

The present invention is a system which can run as a module or as partof an application utilized by an internet service provider (ISP), mayinterface with various kinds of software applications or may run as a“stand alone” package. It may be accessed using various interfacingdevices such as a keyboard and mouse. For example, in one embodiment,selecting an icon displayed on a monitor screen activates the presentinvention.

Referring to the flow diagram of FIG. 2A, utilizing a typical e-mailapplication, a sender logs onto the internet (step 105) by issuing aninternet login request with his/her computer device to the ISP. The ISPverifies the validity of the user ID and password (step 110). If eitherthe user ID or the password are incorrect (step 115), no access to theinternet will be granted by the ISP. If the user ID and password arecorrect, the ISP connects the user to the internet 5. When the sender isready to send an e-mail, the sender invokes the email application (step120) and creates a new e-mail (step 125) or replies to a received email(step 130). The sender can directly enter the receiver's e-mail addressif it is known (step 140). Otherwise, the sender can open and view anexisting e-mail database (step 145), such as an address book, todetermine if it contains the receiver's e-mail address. If thereceiver's e-mail address is found (step 160), the sender writes themessage (step 165) and sends the e-mail (step 170).

If the sender does not know, and cannot find the receiver's e-mailaddress from the database of e-mail addresses, then the sender has threealternatives (step 155). As shown in FIG. 2B, in the first alternativethe e-mail process is abandoned (step 160). In the second alternativethe sender may access an online directory service (step 165) andretrieve the corresponding e-mail address by specifying various keywords(step 166) and searching a database (step 167). The keywords can be thereceiver's name, address, URL or other unique identifying information.This alternative can be invoked from a calling program whereby theonline directory service will return the proper e-mail address to thesender (step 168). The third alternative activates the present invention(step 170), whereby the user inputs the receiver's phone number orfacsimile number as the keyphrase (step 171) to search the database forthe receiver's e-mail address (step 172). The system then returns thesearch results to the user (step 173) to populate the data table. Thisprocedure will be described in greater detail hereinafter.

Referring to FIG. 3A, the system of the present invention has“intelligent” features which makes the search for an e-mail address orother unique individual identifiers transparent to the user. Forexample, instead of using separate input fields for e-mail addresses,phone numbers, facsimile numbers or website addresses, the screendisplay has only a single input field 181. A user can type in an e-mailaddress, website address, phone number or facsimile number into theinput field, then select the GO 182 button in FIG. 3A. If the searchresults in more than one match based on more than one unique keywordselected, the system may prompt the user to narrow down or select one ofthe matches. For example, if the user selects a keyword such as1-800-CALL-NOW, the system may return with two different results: 1) aphone number; and 2) a website. The user is prompted to choose whetherthe key phrase is a website or a phone number. The system could then doa search based on the additional information and search again.Alternatively, the system may display all selections for the user tochoose.

Referring to FIG. 3B, the user can further input area code 183 orcountry code 184 for this particular phone or facsimile number as anoption and select the GO button 185 to invoke the application.

The present invention will search all relevant databases and retrieverelevant information that matches the specified key phrase. For example,a user inputs John Smith's phone number, 601-212-1125 (the dashes “-”can be created automatically by the system), in the input field 181 thenselects the GO button 182 and the system searches for the phone number.

Referring to FIG. 3C, the system retrieves relevant information from oneor multiple databases and displays all information that exists for theindividual in the customized table including John's name, John Smith'se-mail address, phone number and facsimile number 188-195. The systemretrieves this information based on the headings of the retrieve anddisplay table. Because John Smith doesn't have a website address, thetable indicates that the website not available 195. In one embodiment, auser can create different display tables or modify existing ones.Alternatively, the invention may display the information without atable.

A simplified retrieve and display table 300 is shown in Table 1. Thisretrieve and display table includes fields such as name, e-mail address,mobile phone number, home phone number, work phone number, facsimilenumber and home address.

TABLE 1 Name E-Mail Mobile Phone Number Phone Number (Home) Phone Number(Work) Fax Number Home Address

If a user selected Table 1 as the retrieve and display table and inputsJohn's phone number or facsimile number as the search keyword, thesystem searches through relevant databases and retrieves John's name,e-mail address, mobile phone number, home phone number, work phonenumber, facsimile number and home address and displays them as shown inFIG. 3D. If a displayed item can lead to further action, the systemindicates such. One manner is having a circular area displayed in frontof the item which a user can select to invoke the further action. Forexample, referring back to FIG. 3D, John's e-mail address, mobile phonenumber, home phone number, work phone number and facsimile number allhave the circular area 196, 197, 198 and 199 which precedes each item. Auser can decide whether he wants to send John an e-mail, call John athis home, work or mobile phone or send a facsimile (by downloading thefile to be faxed), by selecting the corresponding circular area.Alternatively, red or blue contrasting lettering may be used to indicatefurther action is available by clicking on the same.

The system interfaces with software modules that do the activity such ase-mail, call by phone or send a facsimile, or may incorporate its ownmodule to do such. If a user and an individual being called both haveequipment that permits video web phone applications, the system mayautomatically invoke the application in such a manner. The systempermits an individual to use their e-mail address as their phone numberor fax number, thereby permitting individuals to call or fax otherindividuals over the internet. The system can use an e-mail address asthe keyword to then allow someone to chose options such as “phone”,“facsimile” etc. The system can also use an individual's e-mail addressto provide their corresponding physical address, such as their homeaddress. The present invention retrieves information from relevantdatabases, either from the internet or a local computer, and displaysresults according to the retrieve and display table. The system can beexpanded to include other unique identifiers such as pager numbers, cellphone numbers, vacation home phone numbers. If an item includes morethan one selection, for example if there are multiple vacation phonenumbers for the particular user, the system can list all possibleselections and provide a pull down menu for further selections.

The present invention is flexible in permitting a user to invoke thesystem even if the user is using an application, for example, a user isin the middle of composing an e-mail. The same user can invoke thesystem to make a phone call or send a facsimile to the same or otherdesignations.

Referring back to FIG. 3C, another embodiment of the system, will invokeother applications either to direct dial the selected phone number forthe user, dial and send a facsimile to the selected facsimile number,access the website or invoke an e-mail application. In the case wheredialing a phone number or facsimile number is selected, if the phonenumber or facsimile number is shared by one organization, theorganization directory can be further retrieved if the user haspermission to access. This will be explained in greater detail below.

Referring to FIG. 3E, for example, a user inputs company XYZ's mainphone number or facsimile number as the search keyword (i.e., uniqueindividual identifier), the system displays a retrieved list ofindividuals at the organization with their individual e-mail addresses,and their title or specific information. Each name or department may belisted and followed by a field that provides basic information such asone's title, location, department etc. This information field may bemaintained and size altered to accommodate a person's or company'sneeds. For example, one person's title may be “customer service”. Theuser can select the desired method of contact such as selecting ane-mail address from the member list of the organization. Of course, theretrieved and displayed information is based on the user requested andthe restriction a data base owner/company puts on its database. If anindividual or organization desires to be “unpublished” system can allowsuch.

For example, a user searches the main phone number of XYZ companyinquiring a home address and e-mail address. Even though XYZ company hasall of its employees' home addresses, XYZ company only allows certaindesignated employees' names and their e-mail addresses to be accessed,not their home address unless a person requesting the information has“priority access”. Therefore, the user can see the display of employeenames and e-mail addresses, while employees' home addresses are notavailable as shown in FIG. 3E. Individuals or companies setting up theirdatabase may determine different priority access levels for family,friends or employees. The system allows this to be set up on anindividual basis, family basis or employee basis and can require forsecurity reasons that a user accessing the database information tosubmit his e-mail address or password for access. If XYZ is a franchiseor chain store, the retrieved information can include information aboutother local, regional or national stores, such as location, phonenumbers or website address, as shown in FIG. 3F. For example, if theuser inputs one of the phone numbers of BEST BUY electronic stores inthe Philadelphia area, the system will retrieve the address, phonenumber, and facsimile number of the particular BEST BUY store anddisplay them. The system will phrase the user's input to decide whetherthe input is an e-mail, phone number, facsimile number or websiteaddress. If the user only entered a seven digit number, phone number orfacsimile number then selected the phone or facsimile buttons, thesystem automatically prompts for the area code. A user can use the areacode or country code option to specify the area where the search shallcover. The system m y allow all area codes to be selected by inputwildcard “*” in the area code field.

In an alternative embodiment, cell phones, home phones, vacation phones,separate work phones for husbands and wives, pagers and all e-mailaddresses (item, work or home) may all be included in the table as well.Any of these items, or future “communication” devices, could be sortedunder one of five or more designated headings as follows: 1) name; 2)e-mail address; 3) website address; 4) phone number; and 5) facsimilenumber. For example, if government, medical or banking institutionschose to use an individuals' social security number as the major searchkey phrase, the system would interface with their database and, usingthe search key phrase, retrieve the requested information. For example,banks have various financial information sorted by credit cards,mortgages, bank accounts etc. Medical information can sort by entiremedical history by doctor or types of injuries or diseases/sicknessesfrom existing internet database organized with other key phrases.

The present invention permits a user to “surf the net” faster byproviding an improved way of accessing the internet for general uses. Ifa user knows one particular information about a company, they canretrieve the company's phone number, facsimile number, e-mail number andwebsite address, upon entering the particular information or description(i.e., unique individual identifier). If any information is notavailable for access or does not exist there, the system responds witheither information is unavailable message or information may not existmessage to the user.

If multiple “main” phone numbers, facsimile numbers, e-mail addresses orweb addresses are retrieved, the system will first display phone number,then facsimile number, e-mil address and website address sorted inalphabetical order, but will first display 800 numbers and “.com”website addresses if they exist, and advise a user to select an option(down arrow) for more. If a user selects to send e-mail, a pull downmenu can provide the user with an alphabetical sort of all individualsnames with their home or work e-mail addresses along with a briefdescription such as name, title and location (if there are multiplebusiness locations).

An alternative embodiment of the invention having a graphical userinterface (GUI) is shown in FIG. 4A. An icon 210 displayed on a monitorscreen 205 represents the present invention and is used to invoke thesystem. Assuming that the database of the present invention and/or thelocal database have been established, by directing a pointer to the icon210 and selecting the icon, the system is invoked. A first embodiment ofthe invention using the GUI is shown in FIG. 4B. Referring back to FIG.4B, the database can be selected by directly entering the name of thedatabase, or selecting from an ISP database or a local database. Bypointing and clicking on the option pull down menu area 235, the list ofdatabases 235 will be displayed as shown in FIG. 4G. The user can selectthe database from which he or she will retrieve information. Once theuser completes the selection of both the key phrase and the database,the user can select the GO icon 240. The results of the search based onthe specified web address, e-mail address, phone number or facsimilenumber will be displayed 245 as shown in FIG. 4E. The user can view thedisplay and select the correct entity. Alternatively, the system may,transparent to the user, merge all databases into one so that the userdoes not have to choose a particular database.

For example, if one database is created for a geographical area such asPhiladelphia or New York, the system may merge the data and store in asingle database that is searchable and retrievable. Optionally, thesystem may search all databases without being required to copy orreclass the information. Other valuable classifications may also bemade, (such as a database for attorneys, a database for accountants, adatabase for retail companies, a database for technical companies andall other types of industries).

The system may provide the first level of information from its owndatabase or subdatabase, a local database and, if additional informationis requested, link to a company's database at the second level. Thesystem may obtain the first level of information by using web-traversingprogram called robots or spiders which follow link after link withinwebpages across the internet. The web-traversing programs catalogdocuments and store information for transmission to a parent database,where the information is sifted, categorized and stored. After aweb-traversing program has run, the database compiled though the effortsof the robots and spiders is searched using a database managementsystem. Using keywords or search terms provided by a user, our system'sdatabase locates matches.

Referring back to FIG. 4B, the screen displayed 215 requires two inputsfrom the user: the key phrase 220 and the database to be searched 230.The key phrase 220 can be a phone number, a facsimile number, an e-mailaddress or a web address. By pointing and clicking on the pull down menuoption area 225, the screen display 226 as shown in FIG. 4C is shown.The screen includes four key phrase types; 1) e-mail address 227; 2)telephone number 228; 3) facsimile number 229; and 4) web address 230.Additional key phrase “types” may be defined by the user. For example,“name” m y be used as a fifth key phrase. The phone number and facsimilenumber may be combined for search purposes.

In the case where a phone number or a facsimile number is entered, thedefault designated county and area code for the phone number or thefacsimile number is the same country and area code as the individual'sISP unless the user enters the area code and/or country code. The usermay alternatively specify other country and area codes by pointing andclicking on the pull down menu option areas 232, 233. As shown in FIG.4D, a list of countries 234 will be displayed. The user can select thedesignated country from the list 234 by clicking on same, and thecorresponding country code will be incorporated into the phone number orthe facsimile number. The user can select a designated area code in thesame manner from the list 234 by clicking on same, and the correspondingarea code will be incorporated into the phone number and facsimilenumber.

In another embodiment of this invention, as shown in FIG. 4F, the screendisplay 255 further provides the user the option to select from sendinge-mail 260, sending a facsimile 262, connecting a phone call 264 oraccessing a website 266. This information can be continually displayedas the user is surfing the internet the information automaticallychanges in the table as the user retrieves new webpages. Optionally,once the relating information has been retrieved from the database anddisplayed on the screen, the user can select the desired one, thenanother display menu will pop up. Of course, a user can search andretrieve relevant information based on the content of the customizedretrieve and display table. Nevertheless, in this example, only e-mail,facsimile numbers, phone numbers and website addresses are requested anddisplayed. The pop up menu offers four different selections in thisexample. A user can either send an e-mail by selecting the e-mailoption, or sending a facsimile by selecting the facsimile selection, byconnecting the phone call to the receiver, or, at last, connecting tothe worldwide website by pointing and clicking the corresponding menuselections. If the retrieve and display is customized to display localtelephone numbers, fax numbers, e-mail numbers, etc., the system inconjunction with the ISP and website can do such.

Referring to FIG. 5A, the system utilizes key phrases 500 and a retrieveand display table 502 in order to improve the manner in which a useraccesses the internet. The criteria for the search and the format of theinformation resulting therefrom can be entirely user-defined. The searchcriteria are based upon the key phrase 500. The results of the searchpopulate the retrieve and display table 502 comprising columns 504 androws 502. The columns 504 _(a-n) may be defined by the user as shown inFIG. 5B.

Referring to FIG. 5B, the user accesses a screen which lists both thekey phrase 500 and table headings 510. As the user selects the differenttable headings 510, (for example, business phone number, extension, nameand title), the corresponding columns 504 _(a-d) appear in the table502. The user can select from the plurality of predefined table headings510, or may create their own headings and customize the table 502according to their needs. In this manner, the system permits users touse one or more key phrases to obtain results in a systematic andorganized fashion according to their needs. This is significantlydifferent than present search engines which provide results indescending order of matching with the key words. The system will beexplained in greater detail with reference to the following example.

Referring to FIG. 5C, the key phrase 500 that has been selected isCisco. The table 502 includes the table headings 510, (shown in FIG.5B), name, business facsimile number, homepage, e-mail address, businessphone number and stock symbol which provide the headings for the sixcolumns 504 _(a-f). After the user has input Cisco for the key phrase500 and has created the table 502, they can select among three optionswithin the activity menu 520. As will be explained in further detail,the three options are ADDITIONAL INFORMATION 522, GO THERE (i.e.,perform function) 524, and SEARCH 526. In order to initiate the search,the cursor 528 is moved to the SEARCH button 526 and selected. Thesearch could also be automatic upon highlighting a specific cell anddepressing the “return” button on the keyboard or double-clicking themouse on the specific cell. Referring to FIG. 5D, the search resultspopulate the cells in the first row 508 _(a). As shown, a search isperformed for the information that most closely matches the key phraseand also the particular columns 504 _(a-f). In the embodiment that isshown, the system returns only the most relevant search results andplaces them in the cells in a single row 508 _(a). Optionally, ifadditional information is available, such as multiple responses to theparticular query, the ADDITIONAL INFORMATION button 522 is highlighted.If the user desires additional information regarding all columns 504_(a-f), the cursor 528 is moved to the ADDITIONAL INFORMATION button 522and selected. This results in the table 502 shown in FIG. 5E. In thistable 502, the cells in additional rows 508 _(b-d) are populated ifadditional information for the particular column 504 _(a-f) isavailable. As shown in FIG. 5E, additional information was available forthis business facsimile number, e-mail address and business phone numbercolumn 504 _(b), 504 _(d), 504 _(e). In this manner, a user can moreeasily get specific information regarding the departments or personnelthat they wish to contact.

Referring back to FIG. 5D, the system indicates that additionalinformation is available for selected fields by providing “down arrow”selection buttons 550 _(a-d). In this manner, if a user wants additionalinformation only regarding a specific column, the user selects the downarrow 550 _(a-d) associated with that column. For example, if the userwants more information regarding the e-mail addresses 504 _(d), theyselect the down arrow 550 _(c). Only the additional informationassociated with that column 504 _(d) will be presented. However, if theuser selected down arrow 550 _(a) for more information regarding CiscoSystems, this also results in the table 502 shown in FIG. 5E.Optionally, the user can select a particular cell, such as cell 552, anddouble-click on it to perform the particular function, which in thiscase is sending an e-mail.

The user may also perform a subsearch, which uses the results of theearlier searches to further refine the search. For example, referringagain to FIG. 5E, once all of the information for a particular keyphrase has been obtained, the user may wish to further refine theresults of their search. If the user desires to get more informationregarding the customer service department's facsimile number, they movethe cursor to the customer service cell 531 in column 504 _(b) in row508 _(d). If the user desires more information regarding the customerservice department, they can select cell 530 which becomes highlightedas shown, the cursor 528 is moved to the SEARCH button 526. As shown,the SEARCH button 526 has changed to indicate that the system isundertaking a further search using a new selected key phrase. The KEYPHRASE FURTHER SEARCH button 526 now includes the further key phrase“customer service”. Accordingly, the KEY PHRASE FURTHER SEARCH button526 is selected which results in the table shown in FIG. 5F. Since thekey phrase is now customer service, the system populates the table 502with the results of that key word search. As shown in FIG. 5F, the usercan also modify the table 502 before or after they depress the KEYPHRASE FURTHER SEARCH button 526. In the example shown in FIGS. 5E and5F, the user deleted column 504 _(h) including stock symbol and addedthe column 504 _(f) including the extension number, and deleted column504 _(c) for the homepage and added column 504 _(i) with the title ofthe person. Accordingly, a table shown in FIG. 5F shows all of theinformation that user believes is relevant for their search on thepersonnel within the customer service department of Cisco.

As understood by those of skill in the art, the system may display asingle row 508 at a time, (for example, row 508 _(a) shown in FIG. 5E),and provide up and down arrows to scroll through all of the choices.Alternatively, only the cells that are populated are returned to theuser. If the user would like to select a particular person to speak to,such as Kate Skubin, the group director of customer service, the usercan move the cursor 528 to column 504 _(h) which lists the extensionnumbers for all of the employees. The user can then select the cell infirst row 502 _(a) of that column which lists the extension number forMs. Skubin. Once this cell 542 has been highlighted, the cursor is thenmoved down to the GO THERE button 524. The GO THERE button 524 willchange as shown in FIG. 5F to include the words “click to call”. Itshould be noted that the selection of a particular cell for an extensionwill dial that extension if the user is on the same company phonesystem. Otherwise, the user would select a column heading such as directinward dial (DID) number. This permits customers and other people“outside” the company's phone system to contact the personnel directly.It should be noted that the GO THERE button 524 will change depending onthe action to be taken. For example, when the GO THERE button 524 isselected, the system places a call directly with Ms. Skubin. In the samemanner, Ms. Skubin may be e-mailed or faxed depending upon the cellwhich is selected.

Although the present invention is designed to search and retrieveinformation over the internet, one embodiment of the invention builds alocal database for search and retrieval using the standard selectionheading shown in FIG. 5B. As explained earlier, web crawlers, robots orspiders are used to populate the main level of the database. The mainlevel will be referred to hereinafter as “level 1”. This can begraphically represented by 508 _(a) in FIG. 5D For example, a webcrawlersearching the web and accessing webpages may be able to find a company'sname, e-mail address, home page and phone number. The system may accessother unrelated databases, such as an on-line financial database, toascertain other information regarding the company, such as the company'sstock symbol.

Alternatively, the data may be selectively input by companies that wishto participate and utilize the database services. For example, the datamay be input manually by a company's employee, subcontractors andagents, and forwarded enmasse to a central website maintained for thepurposes of creating a master database. The information in the databasecan then be available to all users to download to their local database.If a company participates in this manner, it may select from among thetable headings in FIG. 5B and can create new headings. If standard tableheadings such as shown in FIG. 5B are not used, the headings created bya particular company must be correlated with the standard headings ornew standard headings created to accommodate the entries by thatcompany. Accordingly, the system provides the option of providing userswith blank tables and selecting from among standardized headings, orpermitting users to create their own headings.

For example, if a company wanted to have “president's office” on thefirst level with a phone number, fax number and e-mail address, they cancustomize the table headings prior to entering the information. The usercan select “create customized heading” as shown in the table headings510 of FIG. 5B. Alternatively, when a user is searching the informationfrom a particular company, the table headings may note which field, ifany, were created by the actual company. Further, when searching, a usercan query the system to provide all applicable table headings availablefor a particular keyword (i.e., person or company).

When the system provides a “blank table” for the user to utilize, thesystem provides a level 1 table with a standard heading, (i.e., a tablewith multiple columns and one row). The table may then be modified andfurther customized as desired. Down arrows may be used to add subsequentlevels, (i.e., additional rows). The system may only permit one row forlevel 1 and multiple rows of information for subsequent levels. Theserows may correspond to a division, department or other organizationalstructure pertaining to the company.

Subsequent levels for a company will be for smaller and smaller businessunits until the names of individual personnel populate the rows. Alongwith the individual names, the user also creates each individual'stitle, Basically, the system may permit users to switch from columntable headings to row table headings and vice versa. Column tableheadings 510 are shown in FIG. 5B. Row table headings 508 _(a-d) areshown in FIG. 5E. Upon populating a database, the flexibility betweenthe column table headings 510 and the row table headings 508 _(a-d)permits users to enter information into the blank table by either therow or the column, whichever is more convenient for the user. If a userquerying the system had the proper access, the user may have the systemprovide all column headings or row headings available for a particularkeyword (i.e., company) to allow the user to quickly retrieve or processthe information desired.

The centralized database, for example a database accessible via awebsite, can be maintained by a centralized database management staff orby users with propel passwords. Individual companies may create andmaintain their own local database, but permit the database to besearched, via a link to the website. If the centralized database islinked in such a manner to an individual company's database, the systemautomatically searches the company's database when users query forinformation from this database. If a company maintains their owndatabase linked to the centralized database, the centralized databasemanagement staff does not have the ability to change the actual data.

When a user wants to input information into the centralized database,they must be provided with access to the database. The system may beaccessed directly by the user or by following a link to the website. Forexample, one website may have the URL 20 ReachPeople.com. The name ReachPeople™ is a trademark of the applicant.

If the user is entering data into the centralized database for the firsttime, the user is prompted to provide specific information, such asfilling in a blank table. In order to ensure the quality andtraceability of the information, a method is provided to validate theinformation. In one embodiment, the user's ISP authenticates the userand confirms the user's e-mail address. In another embodiment, uponentering data, the user is prompted for a method of contact that theuser prefers. The user is also prompted for a user name and password.For example, if the user desires to be contacted by e-mail, phone orfacsimile, they enter such a preference. Once the user completes theentering of data, the system generates a transaction number andassociates that transaction number with each cell of data 10 that theuser has entered. The system then sends the transaction number to theuser via the particular method of contact chosen by the user. Forexample, if the user chose to be contacted by e-mail, the system e-mailsthe transaction number to the user. This completes the input procedure.However, information input into the system is unavailable to other usersuntil the information is validated.

In order to validate the information, the user must log onto the systemwith their username and password and input the transaction number. Allof the information associated with that transaction number will be“released” to all of the users using the centralized database. If theuser does not validate the information by providing the transactionnumber after a predetermined period of time, (which is set by thecentralized database management staff), all of the data associated withthe particular transaction number is purged from the system.

The present invention also provides a method for changing information inthe centralized database. The user enters their username and password,and inputs the transaction number. Should the user not provide thecorrect transaction number and password, the user cannot gain access tomaking changes. The user will be able to edit all data associated withthe transaction number. The system will track and store all data,associated transaction numbers and times, dates and usernames thatchanged the data. This ensures direct accountability for all datachanges. After the user edits the data, the user clicks on “update”.

In an alternative embodiment, the system may permit information to beretrieved from, or sent from, anyone without placing any restriction onthe user. In this embodiment, a user may become an information supplierand enter unreliable information into the system through the internet.

The system has the ability to run various reports and delete selectedinformation at any time as measures to verify the accuracy of suppliedinformation. The system can automatically review it's data files forinconsistency. The system can automatically use available communicationmeans to contact the information supplier about the inconsistency of theinformation and request the information supplier confirm the accuracy ofthe supplied information. For example, if an individual is contacted byan e-mail for the confirmation, the user can respond by e-mail. If theuser receives a phone call for confirmation, the system may have anautomatic voice system to explain the purpose of the phone call and askfor confirmation on questioned information regarding information in eachfield in the table. The information supplier can either respond by voiceinput or manual selection through the telephone button set toacknowledge, correct, incorrect or change. Optionally, before the systemmakes changes, the system can then block modification to how it receivedthe new information as well as how it receive the original information.When the blocked information is further verified, the system willrelease such information for modification. The system also has theability to self-connect the content of its database. For example, thesystem can update its existing phone numbers to a new phone number inits database if a call to the original phone is placed and the operatoradvises that there is a new phone number. If there is no forwardingphone number, the system may attempt to re-verify the information byattempting to contact the individual by using one or all of thecommunication means (i.e., e-mail, fax etc.). If the system makescontact, the system allows the incorrect information to be modified.

In an alternative embodiment, each user can build their own databaseabout themselves and provide a link to the centralized database. Thesystem will search the centralized database for desired information andalso any local databases which are linked in such a manner. Those ofskill in the art should realize that there are many current methods forlinking databases across the internet, and the manner of linking thedatabases is not central to the present invention. A local database mayremain only in the user's local computer system. Alternatively, thedatabase may be maintained at the user's internet service provider butmay only be accessible when the user is online. A user may set certainrestrictions and block selected information, such as credit cardinformation from further modifications. Generally, it can specifycertain mandatory basic information that a user has to supply tindercertain circumstances. The basic information such as the user's name,address, telephone number, “ship to” address (if different then theuser's address), credit card number, e-mail address, zip code formailing purposes, personal profile such as likes, dislikes, age,nicknames, sports, etc.

For example, for online shopping, a user must provide credit cardinformation upon placing an order. In essence, the system can use anestablished standard format to overlay the data file information intothe various fields of a particular website, upon an icon being selected(for example, when a user purchases something). The website may displayall information automatically filled in and/or may only prompt thefields that did not match the data file fields, consequently remaining“blank”, allowing the user to fill in manually. The term “table” as usedin the present invention represents array of key phrases, since eachcell in a table may form the basis of a further search.

In an alternative embodiment, the retrieve and display table maycontinually appear or be requested by the user to appear when the useris “surfing the web”. Once the user invokes the software, the content ofthe retrieve and display table will be automatically retrieved andupdated accordingly. If the user wanted to e-mail, phone or facsimile,the user would simply click the corresponding icon to do so.

It should be noted that a “wildcard” can be used as part of searchingphone numbers or facsimile numbers. For example, telephone number215-756-32** can be used as keyword to search all the phone numbers orfacsimile numbers between 215-756-3200 to 215-756-3299. Or if215-756-3*45 is used for the keyword, then the system will retrieve thephone number's or facsimile number's related to 3045, 3145, 3245, . . ., 3945.

Although the input devices such as keyboard and mouse are used in thisspecification for explanation purpose, other input methods or devicessuch as voice input device or touch screen device can also be used withthe present invention.

The present invention can be used as the base for a future internetsearch engine or directory. A user, by providing phone numbers orfacsimile numbers can quickly access all information on the internet andretrieve the information as he specified. Therefore, a user can surf theinternet more efficiently.

Although the invention has been described in part by making detailedreference to the preferred embodiment, such detail is intended to beinstructive rather than restrictive. It will be appreciated by thoseskilled in the art that many variations may be made in the structure andmode of operation without departing from the spirit and scope of theinvention as disclosed in the teachings herein.

1. A method for inputting and searching information in a database,comprising: providing access for entering information of a first user;receiving the information of the first user; storing the information ofthe first user; providing a link to the stored information of the firstuser; receiving, by a centralized database management system, the linkto the information of the first user; processing a search request of asecond user, the search request including a key phrase; and searchingthe stored information of the first user via the link.
 2. The method ofclaim 1 further including displaying the information of the first userin a data table having at least one row and at least two columns.
 3. Themethod of claim 1 further including displaying the information of thefirst user.
 4. The method of claim 1 wherein providing access includesinterfacing with a software application.
 5. The method of claim 1further comprising displaying the stored information, including adisplayed item, whereby a specific color of the displayed item indicatesan available action.
 6. The method of claim 1 further comprisingreceiving a priority access level associated with the information of thefirst user.
 7. The method of claim 1 wherein processing a search requestincludes analyzing a priority access level of the second user.
 8. Themethod of claim 1 wherein the information of the first user is stored ina local database.
 9. The method of claim 1 wherein the information ofthe first user is stored by an internet service provider of the firstuser.
 10. The method of claim 1 wherein the information of the firstuser is stored by a central database management system server.
 11. Themethod of claim 1 further comprising displaying the stored informationusing contrasting lettering to indicate an available action.
 12. Themethod of claim 1 wherein the information includes an e-mail addresswhich may be used in place of a telephone number.
 13. The method ofclaim 1 wherein the information includes an e-mail address which may beused in place of a fax number.
 14. The method of claim 1 wherein thestored information includes a column maintained by an institution. 15.The method of claim 1 wherein processing a search request includesreceiving a database selection from the second user.
 16. The method ofclaim 1 wherein the information is automatically updated as the seconduser accesses the Internet.
 17. The method of claim 3 wherein theinformation is organized according to an organizational structure of aninstitution.
 18. The method of claim 17 wherein the organizationalstructure is determined by title.
 19. The method of claim 1 wherein atleast a portion of the information has been verified for accuracy. 20.The method of claim 1 further comprising validating the information ofthe first user.
 21. The method of claim 1 wherein the informationcomprises a desired method of contact.
 22. A system for inputting andsearching information in a database, comprising: means for providingaccess for entering information of a first user; means for receiving theinformation of the first user; means for storing the information of thefirst user; means for providing a link to the stored information of thefirst user; means for receiving, by a centralized database managementsystem, the link to the information of the first user; means forprocessing a search request of a second user; and means for searchingthe stored information of the first user via the link.
 23. A system forinputting and searching information in a database, comprising: a networkdevice comprising: a processor, a memory connected to the processor, aninput device connected to the processor, and an output device, andwhereby the network device is operative to provide access for enteringinformation of a first user, store the information of the first user,and provide a link to the stored information of the first user; and acentralized database management system comprising: a processor, a memoryconnected to the processor, an input device connected to the processor,and an output device, and whereby the centralized database managementsystem is operative to receive the link to the information of the firstuser and process a search request of a second user, and search thestored information of the first user via the link.